Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada for World Health Day Ottawa, Ontario

Source:

pm.gc.ca

Source Date:

Friday, April 07, 2017

Focus:

Citizen Engagement

Country:

Canada

Created:

Apr 10, 2017

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement for World Health Day:

“Today, we celebrate the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO), and highlight our shared global responsibility to promote better health.

“This year, the campaign for World Health Day – Depression: let’s talk – is focused on how depression affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, all around the world.

“One in three Canadians will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, but these serious health problems are not always visible. By talking about depression and mental health openly and honestly, we can help end the stigma that too often acts as a barrier for those who want and need help.

“This year’s World Health Day reminds us that there can be no health without mental health. That is why, working with provinces and territories, we have committed $5 billion over the next ten years to support mental health initiatives, so that more Canadians can get the help they need.

“The Government of Canada will continue to help communities address their unique mental health challenges and to work together with the WHO to promote mental health and our collective well-being.

“Today, I encourage all Canadians to join the international community to celebrate World Health Day and to raise awareness about depression. We all have a role to play to create more open conversations about mental health, and to help each other get the care we need.”